Member Avatar for mwc547

I have this file named Blocks on my hard drive that only appeared after a full system restore. It takes up a lot of space and I was wondering if I can get rid of it.

  • 4 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 727 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Bob_180_Bob

Dani AI

Generated

A large, nameless file appearing after a full system restore can be either harmless leftover data from the restore tool or a file that some installed component still needs. The replies from and covered useful removal tools and scans, but the thread missed a short forensic checklist and safe-removal workflow that helps avoid accidentally deleting something needed.

First, identify and document the file before removing it:

  • Note the full path, file size, creation/modification dates and owner (Properties).
  • Confirm whether it is a file or a folder, and whether it has an extension.
  • Compute a file hash so a copy can be compared or recovered later (see commands below).
  • Check recent restore/backup logs or the restore program’s configuration — large files created during restore are often logged.

If the file is in use or locked, find which process holds it (Sysinternals Process Explorer or handle.exe are useful for this) and stop that process cleanly before deleting. If permissions prevent deletion, take ownership and grant an admin account full control from an elevated command prompt.

Example commands (run elevated; adapt the path as needed):

certutil -hashfile "C:\full\path\Blocks" SHA256

takeown /F "C:\full\path\Blocks"
icacls  "C:\full\path\Blocks" /grant Administrators:F

del /F /Q "C:\full\path\Blocks"      # if it's a file
rd /S /Q "C:\full\path\Blocks"       # if it's a folder

If deletion still fails, delete from Safe Mode, WinPE, or a Linux live USB. Before any deletion, make a backup copy (external drive) or at least save the hash. After removal, verify system stability: check affected applications, scheduled tasks, backup settings and Event Viewer for new errors. If the file reappears, inspect scheduled tasks and installed backup/restore software — leftover temp files are often recreated by repeating post-restore tasks.

This approach complements the malware-scan and unlocker suggestions already given: identify first, document and back up, then remove with ownership/unlock steps, and finally verify system health.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

Hi,
Is the file in your add and remove list in control panel? If so delete it there.
Is the file in your "Start" "All programs" list?
What happens when you double click it?
Have you tried to right click it and scroll to delete and delete it that way?
Have you run any virus, malware or spyware programs to try and get rid of it?
If not try:-On-line Virus Scan

Go to one or all of these sites and do an online virus scan.

housecall.trendmicro.com

us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp

Check Malware

Go to http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe
and download and run Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

Check Spyware

Go to www.safer-networking.org and download and run Spybot

Member Avatar for sittas87

Hi
Im sure you're tried to delete it manually. if that failed to work than you might want to try this unlocker tool
its a simple tool thats allows you to right click the file that doesn't wanna delete and choose delete. If the deletion of the file is unsuccessful than you can choose a "force delete" on that file.

Member Avatar for OlyComputers

I don't think he's tried to delete it, just asking if it's safe to delete first.

It's probably some kind of back-up file from the program you used to do the restoration, so google the file name and the name of the software you used. This should tell you what it is and if it's safe to remove.

Member Avatar for mwc547

I ended up removing it because I coulnd't find any info on it. Im fairly sure it was used to updates and install the plugins, but since I did all that on my own I didnt need em

Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

If you are happy, please mark this thread as solved.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.